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it, there was something I wanted to ask about. Did you forbid Beorn to teach Adam English?" |
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It was the first time Ian had said his name. It had slipped out quite naturally, but he tensed, fearing Alinor's reaction. There was none. |
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"I cannot imagine why he should. Why do you ask?" |
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"Because I thinkouch! Alinor, leave me what little skin I have. Give over a minute. Let me rest." He turned to the side so he could see her. "I think Adam wishes to learn, and it is no bad thing to understand what those beneath you say." |
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"Of course not. It is most necessary. I understand English myself, although I cannot speak it. Thank you for telling me. I will speak to Beorn. Sometimes he is overcareful." |
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"There is something else. Beorn is a good man, but" Ian's voice checked as the sound of childish laughter came in the doorway. |
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"Oh, you are here, are you?" Alinor called. "Come in then. You might as well be of some use. Ian, lie flat again. Adam, hold this pot so I do not need to bend for it each time. Joanna, look you here. See how I clean this. It is not proudflesh, which must be cut away, as I showed you aforetime. When the wound is of the skin, rather than of the flesh, wide and not deep, it must close all at once rather than from the inside. It is needful to be most gentle or the new, tender growth will be torn. See, here, where the shield strap rubbed? There is no mending this. It will heal hard and shinyand belike tear again." |
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"Were you wounded in the siege?" Adam asked excitedly. "Tell, Ian. You promised to tell." |
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"Mother, look here. What is this?" Joanna asked. |
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"Pox take it! That is an old scar torn open. That will need to be cleaned deeper." |
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"Ian, you promised," Adam insisted louder. |
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